ERIC STOKES SHOCKS WIMBLEDON AND MITCHAM WITH SEX OFFENSES AND DISGRACE

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Mitcham and Wimbledon, black belt martial artist Eric Stokes, aged 53, has been exposed for his past heinous crimes involving a young girl. The victim, who has chosen to remain anonymous for legal reasons, bravely spoke out about her experience, emphasizing that reporting Stokes to the authorities was the most crucial step she ever took in her life.

Stokes, a resident of Mitcham, recently admitted to eight counts of historic indecent assault against a girl under the age of 16. These offenses occurred over a span of four years, from August 9, 1994, to August 10, 1998. The revelations came to light last week, leading to immediate consequences for the martial arts instructor. The incident prompted his swift removal from Holistic Fitness Studios, located off the Broadway in Wimbledon, where he had been renting space to conduct his classes. The studio’s chief instructor, Stephen Dixon, who was unaware of the charges against Stokes, took the decision to expel him from the premises.

Stokes’s criminal actions have not only tarnished his reputation but also resulted in legal repercussions. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed his guilty plea on Thursday, November 6. The court proceedings revealed that the offenses involved a young girl, and the case has since sparked discussions about justice and victim support. The Attorney General’s office is now considering an appeal lodged by an unnamed individual, questioning whether the two-year community order handed to Stokes was sufficiently severe. Kingston Crown Court has mandated that Stokes must register as a sex offender for five years and undergo supervision for two years.

Following the exposure of his crimes, Stokes expressed his dismay at losing his position at Holistic Fitness Studios. He claimed that he had been unfairly treated, asserting that his work involved teaching adult martial arts classes and had no connection to children. Despite his protests, the studio’s management, led by Mr. Dixon, confirmed that Stokes had been asked to stay away from the premises and that his rental agreement had been terminated. Mr. Dixon clarified that Stokes had not worked directly with children at the studio and that his classes were exclusively for adults.

Prior to his arrest, Stokes was employed as a full-time security officer at Lloyds Bank in Richmond. However, his employment was terminated in September after he was caught sleeping on the job. His profile on the now-removed website of Holistic Fitness Studios described him as a mixed martial arts combat Ju Jitsu instructor, born in Chelmsford, Essex, and later relocating to east London and Mitcham. The profile highlighted his extensive involvement in fighting arts since the age of 14, his achievements including a brown belt in Ju Jitsu, a black belt in mixed martial arts, and a silver medal at the Ju Jitsu championships in the heavyweight division. Additionally, Stokes expressed a passion for cars, claiming to have owned 30 vehicles over the past 24 years.

The victim, who cannot be identified publicly, shared her hope that her story would encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward. She praised the police for their support and the justice they helped achieve after two decades of silence. Her message to others was one of hope and resilience, emphasizing that no one should suffer in silence and that help is available. She stated, “I’d like to say to anyone who has suffered or is suffering at the hands of an abuser that you are not alone and there is always light at the end of the tunnel however unlikely that may seem. This happened to me a very long time ago and I suffered in silence not wanting to believe what happened, but that only lasted so long. From the first day I went to the police they have been incredibly supportive in bringing my abuser to justice. There is a lot of support now for victims of abuse, be strong, don’t be afraid to ask for help, it will be the best thing you have ever done. Believe in your truth and never doubt yourself. My healing has only just begun as I continue my rehabilitation into feeling normal again and I hope I can give courage and strength to at least one person so that some good comes of the abuse I suffered.”